Just wondering, would you guys still want Clips to get to 2nd in West if the Spurs are for sure going to be 3rd? I'd rather take 4th or 5th and get the Thunder 2nd round, than play Spurs 2nd round. I think we just match up better against Thunder, since it's mostly an offensive game. Spurs are just too good at shutting CP3, BG down and getting important stops.

I'd rather go against Spurs then Thunder, Imagine Durant making rainbows from heaven with his body twisting each possible way, and then Westbrook just doing his thing... Spurs would be easier for us.

MunoValente

02/26/2014 - 12:57 PM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 634

votes: 9

We've beat the Thunder twice, but i'll say the Spurs because it means we finished stronger and are playing better. Both are tough opponents, we could beat or lose to either one, it's more about us showing up and playing well than which of them we play.

namzug

02/26/2014 - 01:05 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1293

Location: So Cal

votes: 13

I definitely would rather see the Spurs first. I think we match up well with them. I don't think Doc would be stuck if they took away CP3. Vinny looked clueless in the playoffs against them, granted everyone was hurt. I also think Blake can give them a lot of trouble if they decide to focus too much on CP3. The improved play of Blake would have me prefer this match up too. The other factor is I would rather Matt and hopefully Granger have to worry about Kawhi over Durant.

I also want us to get Memphis, because I want to win a decisive series against them. The only thing that makes me hesitant is the physicality of that battle. How nice would it to 4-1 against both those teams?

tense2

02/26/2014 - 01:08 PM PST

CTB MVP X3

Posts: 10383

votes: 24

Just play well and end up as high a seed as we can. Don't care who the opponent ends up being.

Last year we ended on a strong note (7 game winning streak) and we're up 2 games to zero (having beat Memphis 3 games in a row) in the 1st round and look what happen. So, anything is possible.

calipublicist

02/26/2014 - 02:26 PM PST

Clipper 6th Man

Posts: 111

votes: 1

Either team will take you to seven games. I'd prefer to be more concerned about the possibility of Memphis again in the first round.

Diamond909

02/26/2014 - 02:29 PM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 407

Location: Clipper Nation

votes: 0

If we improved as a team both defensively and offensively it shouldn't matter. I rather the hardest opponent and if we survive we surly belong here. I'm tired of the talk "pretenders" getting it easy is not showing that we belong or improved.

CP3Best

02/26/2014 - 02:36 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5064

votes: 13

Dude it just dawned on me... Can you imagine how Awesome the Clippers will be when they get JJ back? we're missing 25 mpg and 15 ppg and Still we're 39-20 man this team is Awesome! I sincerely hope JJ stay healthy for the playoffs, that's when i matters and when we need him, he's like 1/3 of our half court sets. I absolutely LOVE the potential for this Clippers team, we are experiencing History people, and don't forget it.

Dunkathon

02/26/2014 - 03:12 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1449

votes: 11

People honestly would rather face the Spurs than the Thunder?

Yeah, the Spurs are much older, but they also have a great system, a great coach, and players who play well in their roles. Yeah, the Thunder are young and have the second best player in the world right now, but Scott Brooks is a far inferior coach to Poppovich. Coaching matters in the playoffs, and I know which match-up I would prefer coaching-wise. The Thunder try to overwhelm you with the brute talent and strength of Westbrook and Durant, while the Spurs will dissect you piece by piece.

Call me crazy, but I see the Thunder as an easier match-up than the Spurs. The Thunder have the better players, but the Clippers have the better coach and system.

BringKamanBack

02/26/2014 - 03:13 PM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 269

votes: 1

I'd rather face Spurs since they seemed to be more injured than OKC.

I'd love OKC to face Rockets and get bounced.

clipper321

02/26/2014 - 03:19 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1386

Location: California

votes: 10

Lol, i'm just hoping we can get past the first round.

jarca

02/26/2014 - 03:21 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 8694

votes: 40

Ummm are we so sure that we'll win the first round?

calipublicist

02/26/2014 - 05:40 PM PST

Clipper 6th Man

Posts: 111

votes: 1

I just hope we don't play the majority of our seasons without Redick, up until the playoffs. Seems like that would be a waste of a roster spot.

FightOnRon

02/26/2014 - 05:46 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5212

Location: The Darkside

votes: 40

Tough call. A depleted Spurs still finds a way,most of the time, to pounce on us. We know we can beat OKC if we just let the "human walking stick insect",aka Durant,score and we guard the rest of the team. As long as they are at full strength I think the Oakies are easier to beat and I don't know why. Also,OKC seems to fold a lot in playoffs. So I guess OKC.

FightOnRon

02/26/2014 - 05:47 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5212

Location: The Darkside

votes: 40

Worst nightmare. Mainly because they will try to injure us first and play basketball second. Then we limp into round 2. GS,not them either,they scare me a whole lot.

FightOnRon

02/26/2014 - 05:48 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5212

Location: The Darkside

votes: 40

YOu gotta believe or what's the point.

clipperboy24

02/26/2014 - 06:17 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 4961

votes: 38

Spurs have our number in a bad way would not want to face them in the playoffs.

clipperAndrew

02/26/2014 - 06:29 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1804

votes: 10

Depends....is Patty Mills still playing for the Spurs? lol

cleepers

02/26/2014 - 06:31 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 9799

votes: 130

Waste of a roster spot? ...never!

Redick could be on crutches and you could still inbound to him with 2 seconds left in a game 7 and he'd hit a pair of FT's.

He's a specialist, and a specialist is never a waste of a roster spot. It's not like we'd ever use 15 guys anyway.

Mullens and Jamison were wastes of roster spots, and that's why they're gone.

JQuick32

02/26/2014 - 10:52 PM PST

Posts: 3385

votes: 13

Anyone voting for the Spurs is nuts. CP3 always plays like **** against the Spurs and their system owns us. I'd much rather play the Thunder. Westbrook never plays well against us and Brooks is a **** coach.

Kmartshopper

02/27/2014 - 01:09 AM PST

Clipper D-League Pickup

Posts: 41

votes: 1

I voted thunder because Diaw and Green become all-world when they play us

Icecoldclipper

02/27/2014 - 01:15 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 9593

votes: 21

Thunder

dopeneon2010

02/27/2014 - 01:19 AM PST

Clipper Rookie

Posts: 91

votes: 0

The Bobcats.

Diamond909

02/27/2014 - 03:01 AM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 407

Location: Clipper Nation

votes: 0

Guys would you like to see how well we improved by going against the spurs? Do we doubt that the clippers can't win! I like to see that and I feel it'll help Jordan big time if we eon that series.

prokreation

02/27/2014 - 11:44 AM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 727

votes: 10

Damn...

Let's win the first round first.

calipublicist

02/27/2014 - 02:52 PM PST

Clipper 6th Man

Posts: 111

votes: 1

Spurs are like a lineup of Robots controlled by Popovich. They're talented individually but are by far the league's best "team". They make guys who are losers on other teams seem like Gods.

backinblue

03/03/2014 - 01:47 AM PST

Posts: 97

votes: 0

Thunder. The Spurs have way more experience.....but I think we could handle either team. Last time SA came to Staples they beat us BUT they were just unconscious shooting the ball.

Icecoldclipper

03/03/2014 - 09:39 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 9593

votes: 21

Paul has been "shook" by the Spurs since losing the 2008 second round series after being up 3-2. OKC still can be broken and would be a better match-up.

CP3Heliflopter

03/03/2014 - 09:51 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 6469

votes: 10

Based on what the playoff series where Paul was struggling with a right hip flexor and other injuries? Such a silly and baseless notion.

He has had his share of good games and mediocre games against the Spurs. Heck he had a several great games on the Hornets after they loss that series.

The main difference in my opinion is the addition of Kawhi Leonard who always gives Paul trouble with his length and elite wing defense. Its uncommon for Parker to guard him without help and no I wouldn't talk about his game against the Spurs coming off a shoulder injury. Its not like he didn't have a great game against the Spurs at home.

clipper*joe

03/03/2014 - 09:53 AM PST

CTB MVP Champion

Posts: 16440

Location: los angeles

votes: 130

Thabo out for the Thunder the next 4-6 weeks with a calf strain. Welcome to the club.

LABraves4Life

03/03/2014 - 10:40 AM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 469

Location: Redondo Beach

votes: 2

With Perkins and Thabo both out 4 to 6 weeks I think the Spurs will pass the Thunder for the 1 seed...

The Clippers play the 8th seeded Suns 3 more times this season. I think if the Clipps dominate that will help the 9th seeded Grizzlies sneak into the playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed. The Grizzlies are a great team (even deeper than last year), but have a poor record from defensive player of the year, Gasol, missing two months of the season. Whoever plays the Grizzlies in round 1 is in for a battle and will come out bruised and warn out just like the Clippers the past two seasons.

I think the Clippers should hope to play whoever plays the Grizzlies in round 1. How nice would it be if the Grizz upset the Thunder or Spurs making the Clippers path to the finals slightly easier...

Icecoldclipper

03/03/2014 - 10:41 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 9593

votes: 21

The team is a bad matchup for Paul compared to the Thunder based and pasted and present matchups how the hell is that hard to understand? From us being swept to losing season series things just don't round out well for the Clippers overall against the Spurs. I rather not have the Spurs be an issue if it can be avoided. The Spurs have always had a big body to defend Paul and most likley always will as most teams try to do so Kawhi point is moot.

DLeagueMVP

03/03/2014 - 07:41 PM PST

Clipper D-League Pickup

Posts: 10

votes: 0

I think I would rather face the Thunder. For whatever reason, we have played them well in recent history. The Spurs are so well coached and experienced and I think our frontcourt doesn't match up quite as well against them than we do against the Thunder.

DeandreJordanG.O.A.T.

03/05/2014 - 12:10 AM PST

Clipper D-League Pickup

Posts: 11

votes: 0

I would rather play the spurs I think they would be a lot easier to beat then the thunder with Westbrook back

Agent0

03/05/2014 - 09:39 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5910

votes: 53

I'd say I prefer the Thunder matchup, but a healthy Clippers team might be able to matchup better vs SA this year.

One thing the Spurs and other teams have gotten away with is putting their SG or SF on CP to wear him down and limit him, and many times they don't really pay. Last time it was Randy Foye and fat hand Caron Butler that a guy like Parker would switch on to, so who is scared of that? They can't take him in the post, they won't kill him in isolation. Hopefully we can make those switches less favorable with some of our guys.

The bigger problem than scoring against the Spurs has been defense, and of course 3PT defense. This team is much better on that front, so that can help a little. Also, the Spurs don't crash the offensive glass, and since that is one of this teams biggest issues, it might be something to slightly lower the burden of that way in which Clippers opponents get a bit too many easy ones.

CP had a terrible series against them a couple of years ago, obviously killed them in 2008 despite losing, but you can't do it by yourself. He's been up and down against them as a Clipper. Good games here and there, but also bad games here and there. I don't think they've developed some sort of system to shut him down, but they do hinder his regular approach. Play under the screens, retreat into the paint and prevent Griffin from diving to the basket off picks and then hope CP misses contested long mid-range jumpers because they put a lengthy guy that can retreat a little but still challenge decently.

In the last playoff series, CP got a lot of looks he usually makes but missed them and his floater in the paint was off, but he was injured and had been playing poorly since that injury started against Memphis that year, so it makes sense.

I think either matchup is winnable. They have their advantages and disadvantages. Obviously Durant is a handful, and obviously Pop is a master game planner. I think with SA it is about game planning. Remember Doc is the type of coach who doesn't specifically game plan for opponents during the season, but in the playoffs when everyone does, he so e of the best. You can bet that he will dissect film and have a different approach to playing either of those teams that is within the system the team has played with all year. So the adjustment to the opponent will add an extra element to either matchup, and the Thunder do have the hardest thing to adjust for, Durant.

backinblue

03/06/2014 - 01:03 AM PST

Posts: 97

votes: 0

I could see OKC getting upset in the 1st round. San Antonio looks durable and dangerous if they're healthy. Would like to see Duncan get tired out tho.....

TheDude

03/06/2014 - 11:25 AM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 2800

votes: 31

We're going to rise in the standings and end up the 2nd or 3rd seed but we'd be better off as the 4 seed, not only in the 1st round but also 2nd round. We get Portland or Houston in round 1 and we'd kill either of them. Then we get OKC in 2nd round.

This is a much better situation than moving up to 2nd or 3rd and getting Mem or GS in 1st round only to play S.A. in the 2nd round. Against Mem, we win the series but guys get hurt and we're short handed against S.A. again. recipe for disaster. If we played GS, it would be a dogfight and they're one of the few that could get hot and beat us 4 times. Either way we get run ragged and have a real hard time in round two vs. S.A.

I'm much more afraid of Pop and his army of no name players working in perfect concert. We can beat OKC head to head, especially now with the two new guys, they're a good match up for us. Guaranteed they don't want to play us.

ClipperKyle32

03/06/2014 - 06:29 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3322

votes: 27

Who wouldn't want to see a Doc Vs Pop Western Conference Finals! That IMO would come down to coaching rather than the players.

backinblue

03/06/2014 - 06:37 PM PST

Posts: 97

votes: 0

Seems that everyone in the West is HOT. I'd like to see Memphis creep in because they can play OKC very tough.

backinblue

03/06/2014 - 07:16 PM PST

Posts: 97

votes: 0

that would indeed be an epic showdown!!

uncool

03/07/2014 - 08:48 AM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 955

votes: 5

SA scares me... And it looks like the Spurs are gonna get the 1 seed, which means we NEED to get the 2 or 3 because we can beat OKC in the 2nd rd, and by then I think the Spurs will get beat by Mem or Hou or just be too old & tired to keep up with us in the 3rd round. In the 2nd rd it'll be tougher to beat SA.

CP3Heliflopter

03/07/2014 - 11:39 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 6469

votes: 10

The Spurs swept the Griz last season. The Griz has pretty much no chance of winning. They won a few years ago when the Spurs were significantly worse. The Spurs are arguably even better this season with the addition of Bellineli and improvement of guys like Patty Mills.

Rockets actually have a chance of upsetting the Spurs actually and this would be ideal. If the Rockets beat the Spurs and we beat the Thunder that would be a nice WCF matchup.

uncool

03/07/2014 - 01:28 PM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 955

votes: 5

I'm just banking on Memphis roughing them up & wearing them down in the first rd so the playoffs get difficult for them. I just want them to have a tough road to get to us.

CP3Heliflopter

03/07/2014 - 05:49 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 6469

votes: 10

I understand that but really the Griz don't matchup all that well with the Spurs anymore. They have made roster changes since the series where they were upset. They have a lot of good, young role players now.

The Griz are not good enough offensively to give the Spurs ANY trouble right now and for some reason I don't see them roughing the Spurs up. That seems to be something the Griz love to do against us in particular. I rather see the Spurs face the Warriors or something. A team that can take a game or two due to hot shooting.